Cool Papa Bell bat

Dateundated

DescriptionNatural stain wooden bat, 38 ounces, with "Hanna Batrite / Hickory Reg US Pat Off / Athens, GA" in gold lettering in the center of the barrel and "No. TA / York Style / Steel Temper" near the end of the barrel. "35" is engraved on the knob end. Handle is wrapped in white tape.

Bio/Historical NoteBat used by Cool Papa Bell. It is unclear if this bat was used during his career in the Negro leagues, though it likely dates to the 1930s or 1940s. Bell played in the Negro leagues from 1922 to 1946. "York Style" refers to Rudy York, who played in the major leagues from 1934 and 1937 to 1948. The logo suggests that the bat is circa 1940 or later. Advertisements show that the York style was not available in 1938. It was available in 1949, but apparently it was no longer available by 1954.

Object numberB-1974-0076

Artist, Creator, or Manufacturer Hanna Manufacturing Company

Subject Bell, Cool Papa, 1903-1991

Attributes

Classificationssports and athletic equipment

Dimensions35 in.

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